Toddyshaw Hill

Standing at 367 metres, this modest fell offers surprisingly good views across the Durham Dales without requiring a mountain rescue team on standby. The walk up from the valley floor takes about 45 minutes at a steady pace, following well-marked footpaths through typical North Pennine moorland.

From the summit cairn, you get a proper panorama stretching south towards the Yorkshire Dales and east across Teesdale's rolling countryside. On a clear day, you can spot Barnard Castle's distinctive outline below. The terrain's fairly straightforward - no scrambling or technical bits - making it suitable for families with older children who can manage a decent uphill slog.

Walkers based at nearby sites like Hill Top Huts or Doe Park Caravan Park will find this a good warm-up hike before tackling bigger fells further west. The ascent works well as a morning expedition, leaving afternoons free for exploring Barnard Castle itself or mooching about the Bowes Museum.

Expect to spend two to three hours total including the descent. Weather can turn quickly up here, so pack layers even on sunny days. While it's hardly the most dramatic peak in County Durham, Toddyshaw Hill delivers solid fell-walking satisfaction without the crowds you'll find on more famous heights.